KemLaw

The agency known to many as ICE has been in the news a lot – most recently for a nationwide sweep of 7-Eleven stores across the U.S.

What are they looking for?

Immigrant workers who are working illegally in the U.S.

Here is the statement ICE issued after the most recent raids: “Today’s actions send a strong message to U.S. businesses that hire and employ an illegal workforce: ICE will enforce the law, and if you are found to be breaking the law, you will be held accountable.”

So what do Connecticut employers need to know?

The raid of 7-Eleven stores is part of a new comprehensive worksite enforcement strategy recently developed by ICE.

This strategy “incorporates a three-pronged approach to conduct worksite enforcement: compliance, through I-9 inspections, civil fines and referrals for debarment; enforcement, through the arrest of employers, knowingly employing undocumented workers, and the arrest of unauthorized workers for violation of laws associated with working without authorization; and outreach, through the ICE Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers Program to instill a culture of compliance and accountability.”

ICE officials believe their latest actions will send a strong deterrent message to all industries “that companies who knowingly hire unauthorized workers will be investigated resulting in possible civil or criminal penalties.”

Employers can seek assistance with ensuring their companies comply with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) certification through the Program.

If you’re an employer and have questions about current immigration laws as they pertain to employment, consider calling on the attorneys at Kainen, Escalera & McHale in Connecticut. We do one thing and one thing only – we are an employer defense law firm – in fact, we are one of the largest employer defense law firms in the region. What’s more, each of our attorneys has over 20 years of experience in employment and labor law matters and can provide your business with comprehensive legal counsel ranging from assistance with necessary preventive measures to trial advocacy. Please contact us if we can help you.

Photo by JeepersMedia on Foter.com / CC BY

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